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Obama pardons ‘Popcorn,’ the Thanksgiving turkey

AMERICA'S TURKEY: Popcorn, the National Thanksgiving Turkey, from Badger, Minn., walks on the North Portico at the White House in Washington before being pardoned by President Barack Obama, Wednesday, Nov. 27. This is the 66th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation by the President. Photo: Associated Press/Charles Dharapak

President Barack Obama on Wednesday pardoned two turkeys in the annual White House tradition, but only one was named “America’s turkey.”

According to the White House, each bird was born on July 8. They each stand approximately 2 feet tall and weigh around 38 pounds each. The dueling duo were both hatched and raised near Badger, Minnesota.

After the pardoning, Popcorn and Caramel were driven to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, where they will be on display for visitors during “Christmas at Mount Vernon,” a traditional program through Jan. 6.

The turkeys will then travel to their permanent home at Morven Park’s Turkey Hill, the historic turkey farm located at the home of former Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis in Leesburg, Virginia.